Main Point
We need to discipline how we think and what we practice so that we can grow in our capacity to experience the God of Peace.
Passage - NIV
Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.
Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.
Adjectives from Philippians 4:8. Adapted from Guthrie | |
Adjective | Breakdown |
true | In Greek philosophy, the highest morality came from the pursuit of truth. For Christians, God is true (Romans 4:3) and Jesus is the Truth (John 14:6). So here, Paul agrees that the pursuit of truth will lead to the highest moral life - he just defines truth as the Triune God. |
noble | The word here has to do with dignity and honor of character and action. It carries the sense of gravitas and of reverence. |
right | The word here is the same word that is translated as “just”. The idea is about fulfilling obligations to God and others, doing justice, and behaving in an appropriate manner. |
pure | This word basically means free of corruption. It is tied to the idea of holiness in behavior, attitude, character, and action. |
lovely | This is one that is not found in Greco-Roman virtue lists, nor elsewhere in the New Testament. This is a term expressing pleasure and amiability - someone that other people want to be around. It conveys an “aesthetic truth—that which is “lovely”, extending “to all that is beautiful in creation and in human lives.” |
admirable | Also not found elsewhere in the New Testament, this is someone who themselves are praiseworthy, and who in turn “speaks positively about others or about situations they observe.” |
excellent | A word that is often used for Hellenistic Jews for “virtue”, especially when paired with “righteousness.” It is used for the character of God. |
praiseworthy | Worthy of recognition - can refer to an act of praise or recognition. The term is often used by Paul to talk about the praises we offer to God. |
Words for Scripture in Psalm 119. From Working Preacher | ||
Hebrew Word | Translation | Usage |
torah | instruction | 25 |
‘edah | decree | 23 |
mishpat | ordinance | 23 |
choq | statute | 22 |
dabar | word | 22 |
mitsvah | commandment | 22 |
piqqud | precept | 21 |
‘imrah | promise | 19 |
Resources Used
Cohick, Lynn H. The Story of God Bible Commentary: Philippians. Edited by McKnight. Scot, Zondervan, 2013.
Edwards, Mark J., and Thomas C. Oden, editors. Galatians, Ephesians, Philippians. InterVarsity Press, 2005.
Elwell, Walter A., editor. Evangelical Dictionary of Theology, 2nd Edition. Baker Academic, 2007.
Fee, Gordon D. Philippians. IVP Academic, 1999.
Guthrie, George H. Philippians. Zondervan Academic, 2023.
Motyer, J. A. The Message of Philippians. InterVarsity Press, 1984.
Wright, N.T, and Mike Bird. The New Testament in its World. SPCK, 2019.
Wright, Nicholas Thomas. Paul for Everyone: The Prison Letters : Ephesians, Philippians, Colossians and Philemon. SPCK, 2004.